7 Essential RVing Tips for the Perfect Road Trip + Resources

From proper maintenance and packing to route planning and emergency preparedness, these tips & resources will help you have the perfect road trip…

RVing is a great way to explore the country and have a unique and flexible vacation. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time RVer, there are always new things to learn and tips to make your road trip even better. 

In this blog, we'll cover 7 essential RVing tips to help you have the ultimate road trip.

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7 RVing Tips to have the Perfect Road Trip

These tips will help you enjoy the perfect road trip from start to finish! We’ve also included helpful resources related to the tips to help get you on your way.

1. Properly Maintain Your RV Before Hitting the Road.

Before you set out on your road trip, it's important to make sure your RV is in good working order. This means regular maintenance and upkeep, such as checking the tires, brakes, fluids, and other crucial systems. 

Neglecting maintenance can lead to costly breakdowns and other problems on the road. It's a good idea to do a thorough inspection before you leave. Check all the systems and make any necessary repairs or replacements. 

You should also bring along basic tools and supplies in case you need to make any minor repairs on the road.

Perfect Road Trip Helpful Resources:

• Check RV Tire Pressure EVERY Travel Day (Here’s Why!)
• 38 Basic RV Maintenance Tips New RVers Should Know
• 10 Top Tools Every RVer Needs to Carry

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Every time you move your RV it's like driving through a hurricane during an earthquake. Parts break and many items need to be maintained, this program will show you how you can save time and money by gaining the confidence to take on the majority of the issues you’ll come across. Don’t get caught with your RV in the shop! Learn how you can maintain and repair your RV at your own pace and at the most convenient time for you! This course is produced by the National RV Training Academy.

2. Pack Smart

One of the joys of RVing is having all the comforts of home with you on the road. However, this also means that you'll need to bring everything you'll need for your trip.

To avoid forgetting important items, it's a good idea to make a checklist of must-have supplies and check them off as you pack. Some items that you'll want to bring include a first aid kit, tools, cooking equipment, and any personal items you'll need.

It's also important to think about how you'll store and organize your items in your RV. Make use of storage bins, drawers, and other organizational tools to keep everything in its place and easy to access.

Perfect Road Trip Helpful Resources:

• FREE RV Packing List (PLUS 3 Best RV Checklist Apps)
• Best RV Checklists, Shopping Lists & Must-Have Camping Lists 

3. Stay Healthy and Comfortable on the Road

One of the keys to having a great road trip is staying healthy and comfortable. There are several things you can do to help ensure that you feel your best while RVing.

One important aspect of staying healthy is eating well. It can be tempting to rely on fast food and convenience items while on the road, but these options are often unhealthy and can leave you feeling sluggish. 

Instead, try to eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and other wholesome foods. You can also bring along healthy snacks such as nuts or fruit to munch on while you're driving.

Also, be sure to take breaks to stretch your legs often, and to stay active while camping.

Perfect Road Trip Helpful Resources:

• The Importance of Staying Healthy While RVing
• How to Stay Comfortable on a Road Trip (10 Accessories)
• 5 Best Perks of Traveling with a Dog
• Sitting Disease: A Real Health Risk for RVers

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You know we love our RAD Power bikes – and have featured them for years, but we recently tested out and LOVE our new Lectric foldable ebikes. Being able to fold them up allowed us to put them in our Wonder rear garage area for a recent RV Lifestyle Gathering. You can check out our experience with them right here on our YouTube Channel.

4. Prepare for Emergencies and Unexpected Situations

Even with the best planning, there's always the possibility of something going wrong on your road trip. That's why it's important to be prepared for emergencies and unexpected situations.

One way to do this is by creating an emergency kit for your RV. This should include basic supplies such as a flashlight, first aid kit, and tools, as well as any specific items you might need, such as extra fuses or a fire extinguisher.

It's also a good idea to have a plan in place for common RVing emergencies, such as a flat tire or breakdown. Know where you can get help and how to contact roadside assistance.

Perfect Road Trip Helpful Resources:

• Why RVers Need RV Roadside Assistance Coverage (5 Reasons)
• RV Pro Tip: The Best RV Roadside Assistance

With a little preparation, you'll be better equipped to handle any unexpected challenges that come your way.

5. Practice Safe Driving Habits

Driving an RV can be different than driving a regular car, and it's important to be aware of the unique challenges and responsibilities that come with it. One of the most important things you can do to ensure a safe road trip is to follow the rules of the road and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

This includes things like observing the speed limit, using your turn signals, and paying attention to other drivers and pedestrians. You should also be mindful of your blind spots and the length and width of your RV, as it can be more difficult to maneuver than a smaller vehicle.

Another important aspect of safe driving is being prepared for any adverse weather conditions that you might encounter. Make sure to check the forecast for your route and adjust your driving accordingly. 

Perfect Road Trip Helpful Resources:

• Are RVs Allowed in HOV Lanes and Left Lanes?
• 10 Best Tips for Driving an RV in Strong Winds
• “Backing Up an RV” Learner’s Kit: Everything You Need
• 14 RV Pro Tips: Backing Up a Travel Trailer
• 5 Smart Tips to Spot & Avoid Speed Traps in Your RV

6. Respect Campsite Rules and Neighbors

One of the keys to a pleasant RVing experience is being a good campsite neighbor. This means respecting the rules and regulations of the campsite and being considerate of others around you.

Some ways to be a good campsite neighbor include being mindful of noise levels, cleaning up after yourself, and respecting the privacy of others. You should also follow the rules of the campsite, such as any fire regulations or pet policies.

By showing respect and consideration for others, you'll help create a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere for everyone at the campsite.

Perfect Road Trip Helpful Resources:

• Campground Etiquette for Campers (DON’T be THIS Camper!)
• 5 RV Privacy Products to Make Your Campsite More Private
• How to Deal with Bad Camping Neighbors (3 Examples) 
• 10 Best Campground Laundry Etiquette Tips & Tricks
• 9 Super Important Boondocking Etiquette Tips for Better Camping

7. Plan Your Route and Make Reservations in Advance

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One of the keys to a successful RV road trip is proper planning. This includes mapping out your route and making campsite or RV park reservations ahead of time.

By planning your route in advance, you'll be able to choose the best roads for your RV and avoid any potential problems. You should also consider the length of your drives and make sure to take breaks as needed. 

We are big promoters of the RV 330 Rule. It says, “stop when you have driven 330 miles or it’s 3:30 in the afternoon.”

When it comes to campsites, it's also a good idea to book your spots ahead of time, especially during peak season. Unfortunately, ever since the pandemic, it has been much harder to get last-minute reservations. 

In fact, getting reservations is one of the big RV Travel difficulties these days. In a pinch, you can overnight at different businesses and locations:

Perfect Road Trip Helpful Resources:

• 7 Unwritten Rules for RVers Parking Overnight at Walmart
• 7 Unwritten Rules for Parking Overnight at Cracker Barrel
• 7 Unwritten Rules for RV Parking Overnight at Truck Stops

You can also purchase ready-made RV travel itineraries that list the best campgrounds on the route and the best things to do along the way…

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